A pregame video featuring Caitlin Clark captured a moment inside the arena that left many wondering about her status for the night. The footage gained attention right before they took the court for their home game.  

Instead of going through standard shooting drills, Clark spent her time focusing on the crowds of supporters lining the stands. She signed item after item for everyone waiting near the floor. 

The Indiana Fever originally posted the video with a caption, "Caitlin Clark took time to sign autographs for fans ahead of tonight's game." 

The clip shows that spending time with fans remains a priority for her, even when she is not preparing to play in the game itself. Fans handed over different jerseys and colored caps. This moment stood out because she was not scheduled to suit up for the game. 

Head coach Stephanie White had announced to reporters a day earlier that the star guard would miss the next matchup against the Sparks. White mentioned the move was precautionary and did not give a firm timetable for a return. 

Even without their leading scorer on the floor, Indiana defeated the Los Angeles Sparks by a final score of 111-87. The victory helped the team improve its overall season record to 11-8. 

However, let’s take a closer look at the main reason that caused her absence.

Why Caitlin Clark missed the Fever’s win over the Sparks

The trouble with her back started a few days earlier during a game against the Phoenix Mercury on June 24. According to ABC News reports, she briefly left the floor in the 1st quarter and returned later with a visible back wrap. 

She was later fouled hard on a three-point shot attempt and was seen rubbing her lower back in clear discomfort. She left the game in the 3rd quarter, and Indiana went on to lose that tight contest 111-109.

That specific Mercury game sparked a lot of discussion across the league regarding physical play. Coach White criticized the officiating after the game, expressing frustration over uncalled fouls and cheap shots. 

The WNBA later issued a one-game suspension to Alyssa Thomas for a non-basketball act during the physical matchup. The season's physical nature has clearly pushed the coaching staff to become much more protective of their young star.

This matchup against the Sparks marked the second game she has missed during the 2026 season because of back soreness, following an earlier absence against the Portland Fire in May. 

While the team has not locked down a specific date for her return, the upcoming schedule works in her favor. The Fever now has a full week off for rest and physical therapy. 

This break gives her plenty of time to recover before Indiana plays their next game on July 5 against the Las Vegas Aces.

What are your thoughts on how the team handled the offense without their star guard?

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Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore